Chapter 20

A Heart to Heart at the Chateau

We all spent a well-deserved rest at the Pokémon Center that night and woke up feeling great. As far as I could tell, everyone was recovering from our encounter with Malamar rather well. As we were packing to continue our journey to Cyllage City, Serena pulled out her guidebook. She was seeing if there was anything exciting nearby.

"Hey, Ash! Check this out!" she showed her a picture of what looked like a three-story mansion. "I think you're gonna love this place. It's called the Battle Chateau. As the name implies, it's dedicated to Pokémon battles. The winning trainer wins some sort of reward, though I'm not sure just what..."

Ash smiled. "That sounds like fun," he told her enthusiastically. "I'm really curious what you win...maybe some sort of badge, or a trophy?"

"Or a cake?" Bonnie chimed in. "I love cake..."

"Noble title, yo!" said a voice that made me jump. We turned around to see two trainer right behind us. They looked similar, but one was larger than the other. The smaller one had a Fletchling on his shoulder. The larger Pokémon... well, Serena held her Pokédex up to it.

Fletchinder
The Ember Pokémon and the evolved form of Fletchling
Fletchinder's speed increases as the flame sac on its stomach gradually heats up.

"Yo, yo, yo!" The elder of the two pushed Serena's Pokédex shut. "Pokédex in my face, not cool, yo!"

"Sorry..." Serena smiled. "What did you mean by 'noble title' before?"

"Nico!" proclaimed the smaller. "They actually listened to what you said, big bro!"

"Yo, yo, you're not from around here, yo!" said Nico.

"Check out the legendary Rivière Walk, yo!"

"You should learn it if you're gonna be here, yo!"

Ash glanced at us and pointed to them with his thumb, a strange expression on his face. Most of us just held our hands up to shoulder-height to imply that we weren't sure.

Serena however was a bit more vocal in her opinion. "Do you think they're rapping?" she asked.

"You didn't answer our question..." Clemont stated.

"It's a real pain to explain, yo!" Nico replied.

"But we're heading to the Battle Chateau now, yo!" The younger said.

"Come with us and check it out, yo!" Nico finished.

"Okay 'll be the perfect warmup for when I challenge the Cyllage gym!""Ash said, and Pikachu excitedly chirped.

"Warm up?" Nico asked. "I wouldn't be too sure of that! It may be tougher than you think."

"You're gonna be floored when you get there, yo!" The younger added.

"We'll see about that. Oh! And by the way..." Then we all introduced ourselves to them as we got up to follow them.

"I'm Nico, and my partner is Fletchinder! And this is little bro, yo!" Nico said.

"I'm Chester, and my partner is Fletchling! And this is my big bro, yo!" the younger added.

We followed them down alone Rivière Walk. It was a beautiful walkway with a bubbling river on our right. The other side was covered in flowers all in bloom.

"So today's the first time challenging the Chateau, Chester?" I asked.

"Sure is." Chester replied.

"I already have a Battle Chateau title, but my brother has gotten really good at battling." Nico explained, making Chester blush. "So I decided today should be his Chateau debut."

Serena let out a sigh. "You're finally not talking weird..."

"Yo! There it is, yo!" Nico pointed up ahead.

Serena groaned. "You just had to jinx it, didn't you?" I asked.

"Lopunny…" Cocoa sighed.

There stood the Battle Chateau. It looked just like Serena's image. It seemed to hang above the river almost as if it was floating but there was a structure keeping it up. We saw a large battlefield on our side of the building, and on our side of that stood a statue. It looked like a Sawsbuck but more majestic. It had eight different horns on its head, each one a different color.

"Who's that Pokémon?" Ash asked and pointed to the statue.

I didn't need my Pokédex this time. "That, Ash, is Xerneas," I began, "the Life Pokémon."

"Life Pokémon?" Ash asked.

I nodded as I continued. "It is said that when the horns shine in seven different colors, Xerneas is sharing some of its eternal life. Xerneas also has the power to create forests, making Xerneas a benevolent force in nature, or even a deity."

"It's beautiful…" Ash and Serena sighed at the same time, and then they looked at one another in surprise. Ash chuckled, and Serena blushed.

I seemed to be the only one who noticed. "Hmmm..."

As they came up to the front door the mansion, Bonnie noticed an arch over the door. "What's that say up there?" she asked.

"'Battle Chateau: Show your strength with a title.'" Clemont read.

"I've never seen writing like that before." Ash muttered.

"It's ancient Kalosian. I spent a couple of years studying how to read it," Clemont replied.

We entered the main all to be met with elegant décor. The floor was made up of red and white tiles, alternating perfectly. Other decorations included suits of medieval armor and swords, flowerpots, and portraits of former kings of Kalos.

A maid stood at the end of the room. She bowed as she saw us. "Baron Nico, the Battle Chateau welcomes you back with open arms. And Marquis Clemont, It's always a tremendous pleasure"

"Marquis?!" The lot of us looked at Clemont, who chuckled nervously.

"Thank you, Duchess Elise," Nico replied. "I brought my brother along with me today. He'd like to have his debut battle."

"I'm Chester, please to meet you," he said politely. I was a little surprised. It was like those two had become two different people entirely.
Ash walked forward. "I would like to have a battle as well." he then introduced himself.

"Well, well, if it isn't the honorable Baron Nico," said a voice from the sidelines. A man in a suit and monocle walked over to us from an open door. "It's an honor to see your brother make his debut."

"Thank you," Chester bowed.

"This is the Chateau owner, Duke Turner." Nico explained.

"Please to meet you, it is my honor to welcome guests who have traveled all the way from the Kanto region." He lead us into the estate and explained some of the basics about the Chateau. "The Chateau provides for a thrilling battle experience and also a meeting place for any trainer who come by. Trainers who participate in a battle at the Chateau are referred to as 'Knights,' and their specific titles depended on how many victories they achieved. The you have to be the same title as the person you want to battle."

Elise turned to us as she reached a door. "Allow me to show you the battle Chateau sitting room. Each time you visit, this is where you will be choosing a battle adversary." She opened the door to show a splendid room filled with Knights and a few Pokémon.

"Ladies and Gentlemen," Duke Turner proclaimed and several heads turned, "I have the distinct honor to present Baron Nico."

As we entered the room, a familiar voice called to Ash and I by name. We turned to see a blonde woman with green eyes approach. "Viola! I almost didn't recognise you with that amazing outfit."

"Thank you," she replied. "I wasn't expecting to see any of you here. What title are you two?"

"Actually, we just got here for the first time," I explained. "What about you?"

"I'm just one victory away from earning the title of Grand Duchess." Then a shadow loomed over her. She looked up to the top of a nearby window. "Not again, Grant…"

The rest of us looked over. Up near the ceiling, a man hung on the wall. He had dark skin and what looked like rocks in his hair. "I'm sorry, Viola. I just can't help myself," he said as he clambered down. "The walls here are so smooth, so elegant, they're irresistible. They draw me to them. Being a photographer, you should see the beauty of such an image, don't you?"

"Talk about their beauty all you want," Viola replied, "but I'm never going to understand the appeal of walls…"

Just then, a pair of gloves popped in out of nowhere and touched Nico, before they fell to the floor. The man who threw them walked up to him and picked them up. "My name is Baron Pharrell. I would like to challenge you to a battle and earn the title of Viscount."

Nico smiled confidently. "I accept your challenge." Three glass doors opened up as soon as he said that.

Nico and Pharrell made their way to the battlefield. Everybody else came to the terrace to watch. The two trainers each donned a white cape that covered most of their torso. The stood in front of each other and touched Pokéballs with one another's. "To a good battle," they said as they made their way to opposite ends of the field. As expected, Nico sent out Fletchinder, while Pharrell sent out a Dusknoir.

As the battle went underway, I turned to the Duke of the Chateau. "Sir, I'm just wondering... how many noble titles are there?" I asked.

"There are six titles in the Battle Chateau. In ascending order, they are Baron, Viscount, Earl, Marquis, Duke and Grand Duke. For females, it would be Baroness, Viscountess, Countess, Marchioness, Duchess and Grand Duchess. Your first victory earns you the title of Baron, ten titles, Viscount, and so it shall go on up to 300 victories, earning the title of Grand Duke or Grand Duchess. The Battle Chateau is nothing like normal battles. There's a grace and dignity to them that's built around the Knight's code of ancient times."

"Ancient times?" asked Serena.

"Indeed… The Battle Chateau was founded on the principles of a Knight's duel. The aim is to elevate Pokémon battles through the act of chivalry. It became more than simply two individuals battling alongside their strongest Pokémon in a clash of moves. A battle culture that held civility in high regard was born. Nowadays, most prefer Gym battles, but the Battle Chateau became something only trainers in the Kalos region could enjoy."

I hadn't been paying very much attention, but as we were speaking, the battle had already ended. "Dusknoir has yielded," Elise declared. "Fletchinder is the victor." The two retrieved their Pokémon and then bowed in respect to their opponent. Nico's white cape was removed, and a navy blue one took its place. "This was Baron Nico's tenth victory, so he has earned the title Viscount."

"A valiant effort to the both of you," Turner declared. "Now, then let us proceed to the Debut battle, two Knights are making their debut today, and they are to compete for the title of Baron." Said Turner.

"That's us." Chester said grinning, and Ash smiled. Ash and Chester walked onto the field, in place of Nico and Pharrell, respectively. The remainder of us watched intently.

However, Serena was a little vocal. "Good luck, Ash!" she cheered.

"Ash Ketchum of Kanto, and Chester Thompson of Kalos, whoever wins this first battle will be rewarded the noble title of Baron," Elise said..

Ash and Chester touched Pokéballs with one another. "To a Good battle!" They then went the opposite ends of the arena. Ash put his Pokéball away. "'Kay, Pikachu, get in there!" Pikachu jumped from Ash's shoulder and got into a battle stance.

"Hold on... what was in Master Ketchum's Pokéball?" Turner asked.

"That was Pikachu's Pokeball," Serena replied. "Pikachu doesn't like being inside it, so it stays out."

"You don't say…"

"And My Pokémon is Fletchling." The Pokémon in question it flew around upon release, landing on Chester's arm.

"Fletchling's a Flying-type." Ash warned, "so we have an advantage here."

"We've been training alongside my brother's Fletchinder," Chester replied. "We can take anything you throw at us."

"Now, let the battle begin!" Elise shouted.

Ash VS. Chester
Pikachu VS Fletchling
BATTLE BEGIN!

"Alright, Pikachu, use Thunderbolt!" Ash commanded. Pikachu instantly jumped back with a small flip and unleashed the attack.

"Agility!" Chester cried. Like a shot, Fletchling shot off. He flew around, expertly dodging the Thunderbolt that passed. passing Ash as Pikachu cut the last one short.

"It's fast but you won't get away! ELectro Ball!" Ash called. A few balls of Electricity flew off his tail at his target.

Unfortunately, the opponent dodged them all. "Awesome, Fletchling! Use Feather Dance!" Chester called out. A shower of soft looking feathers landed on Pikachu and disappeared. It was almost as if they were being absorbed into his body.

"What's going on?" Bonnie asked.

"Feather Dance is a move that sharply lowers an opponent's attack." Clemont noted.

"Now, Steel Wing!"

"Use Iron tail!"

The two Pokémon clashed in the air, almost like a sword fight.

"See? Pikachu's iron tail is weaker than normal," Clemont noted. "It's because of Feather Dance!" Tai added.

"What an amazing move." Bonnie noted.

"It's not over yet," Serena cried out. "Ash and Pikachu can still win this. I know it."

I glanced at Serena who looked both nervous and hopeful at the same time. I could tell that she was hoping for Ash and Pikachu to win, which was understandable, but still… "Hey, Serena?" I had her turn toward me. "Can we talk for a minute? Girl to girl?"

She looked a little hesitant, but she accepted. The two of us went inside, which was completely empty due to everyone else watching the battle. "Is something wrong, Brianna?"

"I just want to ask you something," I replied. I took a small breath and continued. "I know you and Ash have been best friends since I don't know when, but... I've noticed you've been a bit friendly toward him... even for that. Why is that?"

Serena blushed a little in response. "Has it been that obvious?"

"Just call me Private Eye Bellerose," I replied.

She looked out the window at Ash, who was in the midst of his Chateau battle with Chester. "Remember when we played Truth or Dare the other night, and you asked me if I had a crush on someone as part of the game?" I nodded in reply. "I wasn't a hundred percent truthful… I had a crush on Ash, and I still do."

I smiled. "Well, that would explain why you looked so nervous after that."

"I know. I didn't know it when we first met, but later that year, I realized how important he is to me."

"Have you ever thought about talking to him about it?"

"No," she sighed. "Ash is such a great person with such a big dream and so many Pokémon. Meanwhile, I don't have any Pokémon besides Fennekin. I haven't even been in an official battle yet. I have no reason for Ash to like me… I mean, like me like me. That;s why I'm so nervous..."

I had a feeling she might say something along those lines. Fortunately, I was rather prepared. "Hmm… Brave, check. Creative, check. Kind, check. Fashionable, check…" Serena looked over at me. "Talented, check. Selfless, check. Beautiful, check. Graceful, check. Strong, check…"

"What're you doing…?" she asked.

"Curious, check. Delicious, hand-made macarons, check-a-roo… I'm listing all the best traits I know about you, Serena. If you ask me, considering all I've said just now, I think Ash would be an idiot not to like you."

Serena blushed a little. She tried covering it with her hair. "You might wanna add 'easy to embarrass' to that list…"

I giggled a little. "You're right about Ash being great and all. I should know: my penpal, Misty, told me all about what he's done. But that doesn't mean he's any better than the rest of us. Pokémon or no Pokémon, we're all human, each of us great in our own way."

Serena smiled. "I knew it… I knew I made a great choice…"

I was a little puzzled. "Great choice for what?"

"My best friend." We shared a quick embrace before leaving the Chateau. "You're right. Probably not today, but someday, I will tell Ash how I feel… how I truly feel."

Speaking of which, we came out just in time to see Pikachu deliver his final blow. "Fletchling has yielded. Pikachu is the victor." Elise declared.

Ash and Chester retrieved their Pokémon. They went towards each other and bowed. "Well done," they both shook hands.

Ash knelt down and petted Pikachu. "I knew you could do it, buddy." Pikachu chirped happily, nuzzling his hand.

Chester picked up Fletchling. "You were strong too Fletchling, Thanks for working so hard." he assured his partner.

"Oh, well. There's always next time..." Nico sighed as the rest of the group clapped.

Elise placed a royally adorned white cape over his shoulders. "I am pleased to announce that Ash Ketchum of Pallet town has won the noble title of Baron. Congratulations."

"Thank you," he replied as he fanned out his cape a little to get a better look at it. "I look pretty good in white…" Ash chuckled. Pikachu looked as though he agreed.

"Hey, Ash!" shouted Viola as she held up her camera. "Howzabout a victory photo?" He agreed, and the rest of us pulled in. "Smile!" But before she could push the button, a pair of gloves fell onto her shoulder.

She turned to see Grant behind her. "Duchess Viola, I would like to challenge you to a battle."

Viola grinned. "I was wondering when you would ask…I accept."

The two made their way to the field and were donned with a red cape. This time, however, Duke Turner came in as the referee. "The Chateau battle between Duke Grant and Duchess Viola will now commence," he stated. "Both only need but one victory to ascend to the title of Grand Duke or Grand Duchess, the highest noble title possible."

"Surskit, let's go!" Viola sent out her partner.

"Onix, rock on!" Grant threw his Pokéball, and a large snake-like Pokémon appeared, roaring loudly.

"Wow, it's huge!" Serena pulled out her Pokédex.

Onix
The Rock Snake Pokémon
Onix takes an enormous amount of soil to its mouth as it creates long tunnels

"Now, let the battle begin," Turner declared.

Viola VS Grant
Surskit VS Onix
BATTLE BEGIN!

"Surskit, use Ice Beam!" Viola commanded. As expected, Surskit froze the battlefield, making it glide across the area with ease.

"I thought you'd use that strategy," Grant commented. "Speed may be your specialty, but I'll stop you in your tracks. Rock Tomb!"

Onix roared loudly. Several large boulders showered across the surrounding field, surrounding the opponent. The rest of us were surprised. It was apparent that Onix was actually controlling where the boulders landed. If Grant was able to do that, he was clearly no ordinary trainer.

Soon, Surskit was surrounded by the boulders, with an even larger one coming down over it. "Bubble Beam!" Viola called out. Surskit fired bubbles everywhere, which lifted her out of Grant's trap. Soon the exact same thing happened again, but this time… "Protect!" A large shield came over the falling boulder and shot it out of place. Surskit jumped out again.

"Hm, not bad," Grant commended. "I'm almost impressed."

"Signal Beam!" A pink beam came out of Surskit's antenna.

"Flash Cannon!" A white one fired from Onix's mouth, countering the Signal Beam, and as Surskit came closer… "Rock Polish!" Onix's body sparked with light blue energy, which increased, Onix's speed. Surskit was actually outmaneuvering Surskit, as though Surskit was sitting still.

"You've been practicing..." Viola complimented. "Ice Beam!" Surskit shot one at Onix's tail, freezing it completely.

"Onix… jump." The Rock Snake Pokémon leaped high into the air and out of its frozen trap. Everyone, Viola included, was surprised. "Rock Tomb, again!" More boulders fell all around. Onca again, Surskit was trapped. "It's over… FLASH CANNON!" Onix fired the move on the Surskit, blasting away the boulders and ice and knocking out completely.

"Surskit has yielded. Onix is the victor," Turner declared.

Viola retrieved Surskit into it's Pokéball. "Surskit, you were wonderful. Get plenty of rest," Then she went to her opponent and they shook hands.

Turner removed his red cape, and placed a purple one in its place. "Duke Grant has achieved his 300th victory at the Chateau, earning the title of Grand Duke."

"Well, it's all because of Onix's hard work," Grant humbly said as he petted the Pokémon in question. "He earned it for me and gets all the credit."

After they returned to the terrace, Ash came over to him to compliment him. "Grant, that was perhaps the finest battle I've seen since I got to Kalos," he complimented. "I hope to battle you someday, if I earn the title of Grand Duke, that is…"

Grant smiled. "Why wait?" he asked. "You can just challenge me to a Gym battle when you get to Cyllage City…" he then turned to me. "And I'll be looking forward to your battle as well, Brianna."

I was a very surprised. "You know my name? You're the Cyllage City Gym Leader?!"

"Your mom, Diantha, told me you were coming my way… She said I would recognize you with your partner, Cocoa the Lopunny."

"That explains why you're so strong," Ash commented. "So judging by your partner Onix, I guess you specialize in Rock-type Pokémon?"

"Exactly!" Grant confirmed. "Your Pokémon are quite strong, you two. I'll be looking forward to when you get to my Gym. Until then..." With that, he began his journey home. Now that we knew who our opponent was, Ash and I needed to come up with a strategy to compete with his rock-types, especially with that Rock Tomb, and a strategy we would find.

As the sun was beginning to set, we began to leave the Chateau. "Chester, Nico, Thank you for showing us the Battle Chateau. We really appreciate it." I smiled.

"No worries, yo!" Chester replied.

"Good luck with your Gym Battle, yo, yo!" Chester added.

"Here we go again with the yo's, yo…" Serena groaned.

"Yo! They're contagious, yo!" Chester pointed out, and Serena clamped her mouth shut.

"Next time you two see us, we'll be two Grand Dukes, so be prepared, yo!" Nico added.

"Okay, I'll look forward to it." Ash commented. And with that we went our separate ways.

Serena looked back in the direction of the Chateau's battle field, specifically at the statue there-at. "I wonder if we'll ever see Xerneas…?"

A visit to the Battle Chateau has not only given us a memorable experience, but also introduced Ash and I to Grant, the Cyllage City Gym Leader. Now, we both would have to prepare for Gym Battle before we got there, as the journey continues…